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From OpenMaterials
OpenMaterials is a collaborative research project dedicated to open investigation and experimentation with DIY production methods and uses of materials. In the spirit of the open source software and hardware movements, we hope to promote materials to be researched and developed in a public, collaborative manner. We see materials as an open resource, and wish to establish an open process for exploring and sharing knowledge, techniques and applications related to materials science. Inspired by Eric Raymond's comment in 'The Cathedral and the Bazaar', regarding the bazaar style which he described as "a great babbling bazaar of differing agendas and approaches", we hope to encourage discourse and experimentation with the broadest range of materials and processes possible.
This wiki will be a repository of all the data we collect during our DIY research and experiments, and our attempt at creating a useful resource for all those who wish to work with or just learn more about materials. We will strive to provide accurate descriptions of the different types of materials, as well as information on uses, techniques and hacks, where to get them, who's using them, who's improving them, and so on so forth.
We'd also love for you to be involved if you are working in these areas.
Contents |
Materials
Electrotextiles
As the name indicates, electrotextiles are textiles with electrical properties. They're mostly used for electromagnetic shielding, anti-static and heating purposes, and also soft circuits: electric circuits or sensors made out of a combination of special fabrics, threads, yarns and electronic components.
Learn more about Electrotextiles
Electroluminescent
EL Wire (electroluminescent wire) is a thin copper wire coated in phosphor which glows when an alternating current is passed through it. Unlike LED strips, EL wire is not a series of light points, but an unbroken line of visible light. It can be used in a variety of applications, from vehicle instrument panels and safety/emergency lighting to decoration and clothing.
Lean more about EL Wire
Photochromic
UV reactive materials, which initially have an off-white appearance, change to bright colors when exposed to UV rays (sunlight or a UV lamp) and revert to their original pale color when away from UV light
Learn more about UV Reactive Materials
Heat Reactive
Heat reactive materials change state, shape and/or color when exposed to temperatures above ambient. Naturally, many materials change state, eg. melt, at high temperatures. What’s special about the ones described here is that their state, shape and/or color can be altered at relatively low temperatures (provided by hot water, body heat, hair dryers, ambient heaters, ovens, etc.), making them easy to use and suitable for DIY projects.
Learn more about Thermochromic Materials, Polymorph, Heat Shrink (tubing and thread), and Field's Metal
Adhesives
Conductive: Conductive Glue | Copper and Aluminum Tape | Wire Glue
Non-Conductive: Dichloromethane | Hot Glue
Pressure Sensitive
Quantum Tunnelling Composite (QTC) | Resistive Foam | Velostat
Conductive and Magnetic Paints
Conductive Paint
Body Safe Conductive Paint
Magnetic Varnish
Shape Memory
Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) | Shape Memory Polymer (SMP)
Suppliers
Europe
Creatif :: arts & crafts supplies
Creative Discount :: arts & crafts supplies
Flexmet :: shape memory and superelastic wires & products
http://www.mutr.co.uk/index.php (formerly MUTR) :: smart materials, structural materials, science resources
Plug & Wear :: EL fabrics, EL wire, inverters
Solar Active :: color changing materials (lace, thread, fabric, beads, etc.)
Supermagnete :: magnets, lots of magnets
USA
Cool Light :: EL wire
Electronic Goldmine :: electronics (great LEDs)
[ http://www.inventables.com/Inventables] :: new and amazing materials
Less EMF :: conductive fabrics, tape, etc.
Scientifics Online :: engines and gears, magnets, robotics, solar energy, and a lot more
Sparkfun :: electronics (very cool stuff)
